MAILING LIST

Songwriting is about risk-taking. One simply needs a safe, open space to say or do anything in order to see/hear what wants to stick to the page. In a collaborative effort, all must be open to trial and experimentation. Without complete freedom of expression, a song will lack the necessary truth required to give it life. Without truth, a song is just a song. It may be clever, or sound pretty, but it may not fly as high. In order to create a great song, one must be willing to trade in clever for truth, especially when the truth doesn’t feel safe to share. It’s playing by these standards that songwriting becomes an adventure for the courageous.

Meet Raining Jane: a female-foursome of risk-taking road veterans who have toured extensively on their original music for more than a decade. They are also the co-founders of The Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls, Los Angeles, an intensive program that empowers young women to rock in all aspects of their lives.

I first met Raining Jane, in September of 2006 at the University of Redlands. We were on the same schoolyard festival bill. With thoughtful lyrics, brilliant harmonies, diverse instrumentation, a high energy percussionista, and good looks, they were a tough act to follow. I played alone, nervously hammering through my set while begging forgiveness. After the gig I bowed to them, suggesting we collaborate. A few months later, we gathered at my home studio for the first of what has now become a long tradition of annual writing retreats known as ladies’ weekend.

Within the first few writing sessions, Raining Jane and I unearthed a few songs that would transform all of our lives. Songs like Silent Love Song, which we donated to San Diego’s Fire Relief Project in 2007; Collapsible Plans which won best original song in the Hollywood Film Festival for the amazing documentary The Big Fix; And Beautiful Mess, which has gone on to become a concert classic.

It didn’t take long for The Janes and I to realize we shared the same core values and shared a passion for truthful, healing songwriting. Our shared vision is to use our creative gifts to improve the world, not belittle it. Whenever we make time to write together, it’s always magical, and as you can imagine, the songs have started piling up.

For the next two weeks, The Janes and I are exploring what it would sound like if we were to record an album together. Stay tuned for updates, leaks and previews as this surprising new story unfolds. In the meantime, enjoy this clip of The Janes and I performing together for Feeding The Soul back in 2010.

Me: do you think we can request a song?
Anonymous: you can try.
Me: I would love to hear the Sunshine with piano and Bella Luna.
A: okay.
Me: do you think we can request other singer’s song?
A: I don’t know. You can try.
Me: I would love to hear “Crazy in Love” Do you think I can ask one more? (Eyes round open and two hands hold like a prayer)
A: what’s that?
Me: dance like Beyoncé when singing this song?
A: ….
Me: or wear like Beyoncé when singing this song?
A: you b*t*Ch.
Me: thank you.

“Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, sounds and sweet airs that give delight and hurt not.“– The Tempest, Shakespeare. This line opens and established the main theme of Olympic Games in London 2012. I am not sure if there will be an intro melody to the new album. An into to a book or to an album or to a graphics or a film or to any forms of art is like the audiences can hold their breath at this moment and be excited about what will be coming out the next. For example, I love the intro- Lokah-Samastah-Sukhino-Bhav-Antu in the beginning of a concert.

I love Chaska’s voice, rarely does a singer come along in whom virtuosity meets sensibility. I have imagined Chaska’ talent skills and explores the furthest reaches of musical expression. Her voice and music, steeped in without being forced by its traditional forms and functions, manifests a unique combination of maturity and creativity, and so it is as well as Mona’s percussion, Mai’s cello, Becky’s instrument Sitar, subtle and sophisticated describe the galaxy. I love the imagination of the picture created in my mind which I can see these fabulous foursome ladies draw a beautiful landscape in harmony and in joy.

And for Mr. Champion, I don’t think you need my word to prove your talent; however, pass through the walks we have taken; it began to dawn on me saying this beautiful moment remained in my mind the longest which being true to present the inner divine cause of you, communicate an emotion and sing true harmony with the environment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpHtwnyvIvw

Personal opinion, as a listener for the differences between the stadium gig and theatre show, in the stadium, it’s kind of inevitable then; I’d sit up at the back and reflect on how every moment go on and how the years has adjusted things. Thousands of the moments come and retreat in a steady rhythm, stand still, and listen all kinds of sounds not only from the stage but also from the audiences; the sounds are like the waves from the ocean. I thought if the performers can’t really see the true measure of the audiences; a shared multiple-scattered photo might help. I remembered standing on the edge of furthest in the stadium, looking out those touring gears and wondering what they will go on few minutes later; the performers may clinch their teeth (and other parts) for the show. It could be in addition to very own pressure for them that if someone you are thinking about, such as your mum appeared but they don’t know how to contact each other, and it could bugger things up, and thus turned it being quiet appreciation. As the panoramas view will show and that at the end of the day, the kind of noise that you just can’t help but be affected by the intense sense, the strongest moments are the ones where the performer could turn every one of the gears off and just let the crowd sing/do what comes naturally.

As for the theatre show, the moves would be like the river, it’s more intimacy and gentle like welcome everyone to my little living room, sometimes it’s as if my grandnanny telling her stories distantly and yet closely to the ears. Personally I love more of theatre one, I always would love to sit on the first row for it, prayed to God for the good luck of Willy Wondka’s golden ticket, and the worship is like “Ladies and gents, stay calm, please leave one seat for me!” I guess once a crowd gets past a certain size, it doesn’t really look that much different.” made my imagination a pointless exercise. But how good a show is, is generally depends on how good the audiences are. It may be the fuels to the whole thing.

I think to enhance this impact is by using every tools; stage design, lighting and the sound; if they are done in the right way, the emotions are highlighted and the breathtaking made deep and the memories taken stronger; and possibly one of the wonders, a 15-year-old boy maybe, thinking that’s cool excitingly, I shall learn an instrument and surely he had forgotten the bully or any other distasteful experiences.

From the documentary clips (Thanks Jeff, Discovery channel is always my favorite), I imagine it’s almost a sport, especially the team gathering hands in hands before the show. Not sure if there is any slogan at the moment, but my previous experience playing basketball, our coach always said, “Play Hard. Have Fun!” Once there’s a problem though, everyone groups around to stitch in and get things sorted without a missed beat. Thank you, all performers and the team who strived hard a long way and made it groundbreaking at that. I am glad we are here with the things are encircling and evolving constantly.

My gateway to appreciation of the truth, both exhilarating and painful, is usually through great songs and music. Thanks to you guys for being my fireworks sometimes and Prozac others. Keep up the amazing work. Can’t wait to hear more. Many smiles.

Creating from the heart, and then being courageous enough to share it with the world is a beautiful thing. The epitome of vulnerability and being connected with your authentic self. Thank you Jason and the RJ’s for continuing to share your selves with the world.

Wow you could feel the harmony and the synchronicity lovely. Yes don’t we need music with healing vibrating tone, no doubt the result will be amazing. You have a wonderful time creating this 5th album no pressure just plain fun my heart is with you all. Love Lucie

Excellent!!! I saw and was utterly captivated by the Raining Janes in Boston a few years ago — I think they opened for Sara B. (?)…… then was thrilled when we saw Mona with Jason at the Comcast last year for the LOVE tour….. Anything that comes out of THIS collaboration is going to be fantastic! Cannot wait to see…

It’s becoming clear that #5 is going to vibrate and shine like a star just like how you are seated in the photo above, it represent so many things (I don’t need to get into symbolism)your combined talents don’t need it to succeed but it will enhance – I have no doubt.

I find it interesting that only today I viewed the rise of the feminine on Chopra Well and found it reflecting around me and apparently it’s in motion here, that makes me ecstatic. I will sleep soundly knowing a birth of creation (from women who rule here) will combine with a farmer who knows how to cultivate and culminate beauty beyond. xoxo on Lock down -we won’t bother you, but we’ll wonder about you!

Good poetry begins with
the lightest touch,
a breeze arriving from nowhere,
a whispered healing arrival,
a word in your ear,
a settling into things,
then like a hand in the dark
it arrests the whole body,
steeling you for revelation.

In the silence that follows
a great line
you can feel Lazarus
deep inside
even the laziest, most deathly afraid
part of you,
lift up his hands and walk toward the light.

Mr. Mraz, SO COOL that you are working with Mike Mogis. You, Jason, truly paved my way in finding genuine music in like eighth grade. I eventually have settled in with Bright Eyes as my favorite band, but you are always there as the leader of my expedition. I remember I heard your cover of Kathy with a K’s song and was like, “Mraz and Oberst, man”……any way, good to see the paths crossing. Mike’s surely an excellent guy